Mediation Services

Mediation is a flexible service which provides a safe space to share issues and talk about how to fix a situation. We have set out how our services work below as well as providing some frequently asked questions.

The Mediation Process

Mediation is a structured process in which a neutral third party facilitates communication and negotiation between conflicting parties to help them reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

How does Mediation work?

Mediation is a flexible service which provides people with a safe space to share issues and talk about how to fix a situation. We set out how our services work below.

Mediation empowers people to make lasting decisions and agree outcomes that work for them. As the Mediator, we remain impartial and facilitate the conversation to help each party work towards agreement. This is an ideal form of dispute resolution for matters where the people involved want to retain an ongoing relationship, avoid court, and keep the dispute and outcomes strictly confidential.

Length:

The mediation session could be as short as two hours or a full day at eight plus hours.

Structure:

The day will be structured to allow each person to share their issues and aims, and for discussion around next steps and outcomes to be considered.

Location:

We can hold the mediation in person at a venue which is central to those involved, or we can facilitate an online session and the parties can log-in from home or somewhere quiet and confidential.

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Key benefits of using Mediation for your dispute: Why use Mediation?

Mediation is an ideal way to resolve most conflict. It has many advantages for everyone involved, including being:

Confidential and private – only the people involved and your Mediator will know what was discussed and the outcomes that are reached.
Quicker to resolve matters – mediation can be arranged within a week or so, subject to everyone agreeing to engage. This is far better than the 18 month wait time for a court hearing.
Cost effective – mediation does not require many hours of legal or professional preparation. There are no court fees and the focus is not on reviewing evidence. Parties will pay substantially less money than going through court.
Outcome focused – mediation is about working out how parties want to fix a situation and looking at what each person wants to do to achieve a resolution.
You are in control – mediation empowers people to make the decisions. Parties are not bound by what the law says someone should do and those involved can build an agreement that works for their own situation.

What does a Mediator do?

A mediator is a neutral professional there to help hold these discussions as productive as possible. The purpose of mediation is to work towards reaching an agreement. If an agreement is reached, the mediator will help write the terms down (unless lawyers are already involved) so that the session ends with an agreement in writing. The mediator's key role is to remain neutral but provide support to help communicate any concerns, aims and intentions whilst reducing the emotional barriers. They do not make decisions and cannot act like a judge. Working together, we will ensure that you are heard equally, and listened to, so that your own conversations are productive.
Do both parties need to see each other?

Whilst we encourage a supported but open conversation, sometimes parties don’t want to meet eye-to-eye. We can accommodate a shuttle style mediation service which means that all conversations and negotiations can be channeled through us. However, we will continue to review wishes and if a party feels able to speak directly, we will facilitate this in a safe and structured environment.
Do parties have to be friends afterwards?

Mediation is not about renewing strained relationships. If that is one of the intentions, this can be agreed. However, mediation is best used to provide clarity as to how parties will communicate, re-set parameters, and know what to do in the future if conflict arises again. The short answer is, no, parties do not need to be friends or continue a friendly relationship, unless everyone wants this.
What happens if parties don’t reach an agreement

In some rare circumstances an agreement is not reached. However, in most situations progress will have been made. Mediation is a balance of training as well as neutral support and most people take away some vital skills about how to talk and reach an agreement. It is thought that approximately a further 10 per cent of matters settle shortly after the mediation. If agreement cannot be reached, other options may need to be considered. These could include seeking legal or other professional advice. We can discuss next steps if this is necessary but if everyone genuinely wants to resolve the matter, there is a very good chance of reaching an agreement.
How much does mediation cost?

Mediation is a support service that is charged for on an hourly basis. Each person usually pays their own costs on an equal basis, but we can discuss alternative arrangements if needed. Our hourly rates start at £100 per person, plus travel, venue hire, and any other disbursements.
Next steps

If you think you might benefit from our support, please contact us for a confidential call on 01707 527003 or send an email via office@we-resolve.co.uk. There are no charges for an initial conversation, and we will let you know if mediation is a good fit to help you and your situation.

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